Hotel complex plan at Carkeel

A LANDFILL site in South East Cornwall could be transformed into a hotel complex if plans get the green light next week.

If given the go-ahead, the proposal would transform Carkeel landfill site into a 45-bedroom hotel with a restaurant and bar and parking for 74 vehicles.

The outline planning application for the site off the A388 previously contained proposals for sports pitches and a clubhouse and was submitted with a development bid for Sainsbury's in Saltash.

The Sainsbury's application for a store on Callington Road sparked huge controversy in the town and saw 2,600 letters of objection being submitted before councillors refused the plans last year.

The current application from Downderry Construction Ltd has since been amended to exclude sports pitches.

The decision will be made by Cornwall Council's east sub area planning committee after being referred due to a conflict in officers' and local authority opinion.

It has been recommended for approval despite Saltash Town Council objecting for a number of reasons including the lack of a safe crossing for pedestrians.

Saltash mayor Sue Hooper said: "The concerns of the councillors are that there are no suitable pedestrian crossings at Carkeel and the access egress is unsuitable. The site is abutting an area of outstanding natural beauty and falls between two settlements and is sited where there is an ancient monument.

"The council is also mindful that it had been consistent in recommending refusal for similar reasons over the years and nothing had changed its opinion."

More than a dozen letters of objections have been received from neighbours raising issues including the detrimental impact the development would have on Carkeel.

Other concerns include the increased amount of traffic and loss of privacy.

A planning report said: "The applicants have provided a supporting statement which states that it would increase the supply of services hotel accommodation, specifically pinpointing the golfing opportunities in the area and that it would service the local business community that already exists."

Approval is subject to 14 conditions. A decision is due to be made next Thursday.